Expert Group Report
The final report of the Expert Group, Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (PDF), was launched on 7 December 2021 following acceptance by Government of its’ recommendations.
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Frontier Economics Research Papers
Frontier Economics was appointed as Research Partner to provide research support to inform the work of the Expert Group to develop a new Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare. Under the direction of the Expert Group, Frontier Economics produced a set of research papers.
These research papers aimed to provide a broad foundational base upon which international comparisons and learnings can be drawn that were of value for the development of the funding model in Ireland. The authors are solely responsible for the views, opinions, findings, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed, which are not attributable to the Department or the Expert Group.
The suite of Research Papers is as follows:
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Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation
The Expert Group undertook a programme of stakeholder consultation and engagement.
Phase 1 of this consultation and engagement took place between August and December 2020, comprising a call for submissions, a parental poll, two webinars and focused discussions with providers, practitioners and parents. Reports from these consultations are published below.
Phase 2 took place in April – May 2021, involving a series of facilitated events that brought together different perspectives to engage deeply in the conversation about how the various issues of affordability, sustainability, quality and inclusion interact and how the new Funding Model can best support these objectives.
Phase 3 took place in July 2021, which allowed for further discussion and development of stakeholders’ ideas.
The outputs of the consultation were weighted and balanced by the Expert Group and considered alongside the evidence in order to inform the development of the new funding model.
The reports are as follows:
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Other Relevant Publications
First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028
Independent Review of the Costs of Providing Quality Early Learning and Childcare in Ireland
Annual Early Years Sector Profile Report 2019/20
ESRI: Childcare in Ireland: Usage, Affordability and Incentives
12-Month Review of the National Childcare Scheme (PDF)
Childcare Survey of Parents 2022 (October 2022)
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Information Webinar
Pre-recorded information webinar on Partnership for the Public Good and Nurturing Skills, with input from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Press Releases
15 September 2022
17 August 2022
28 June 2022
Minister O’Gorman publishes funding agreement for new €221 million Core Funding scheme
18 May 2022
7 April 2022
7 March 2022
Minister O’Gorman announces details of the new €221 million funding stream for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare providers
7 December 2021
12 October 2021
Minister O’Gorman announces “transformative” budget package
19 August 2020
28 February 2020
Minister Zappone launches consultation to start national conversation on Childcare
29 October 2019
Minister Zappone addresses funding model expert group at inaugural meeting
18 September 2019
Minister Zappone announces expert group to develop a new funding model for ELC and SAC